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Nucleoside/Nucleotide analogues (NAs) are widely used for the antiviral treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB), however, it is difficult to achieve serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss with NAs therapy. In recent years, several prospective trails have reported that HBsAg loss (functional cure or clinical cure) also occurs in a small number of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) negative CHB patients who discontinued long-term treatment with NAs. Accordingly, the "stop-to-cure" strategy is proposed. Although the mechanism has not been fully elucidated, the known factors related to serum HBsAg loss with NAs withdrawal include HBV genotype, duration of NAs treatment, serum HBsAg and HBV RNA levels at end-of-treatment, and ethnic differences. In the review, we discuss the best time to stop NAs therapy, the potential markers for predicting relapse after cessation of NAs and the possible mechanism of "stop-to-cure" in HBeAg-negative CHB patients, and propose some suggestions on the time of retreatment.核苷（酸）类似物（NAs）是最常用的慢性乙型肝炎（CHB）抗病毒治疗药物，但其很难使患者HBsAg消失。近年的一些研究发现，小部分HBeAg阴性CHB患者在NAs停药后可继发血清HBsAg阴转（即功能性治愈或临床治愈），并据此提出“停药-治愈”（stop-to-cure）策略。尽管机制尚未完全阐明，目前已知的停药后血清HBsAg阴转相关因素包括乙型肝炎病毒（HBV）基因型、NAs疗程长短、停药时的HBsAg和HBV RNA水平及人种差异等。本文特就HBeAg阴性CHB患者的最佳停药时机、预测停药复发的潜在标志物及停药-治愈的可能机制进行讨论，并对再治疗时机等提出建议。.

Summary Identification of high‐risk patients admitted to intensive care with COVID‐19 may inform management strategies. The objective of this meta‐analysis was to determine factors associated with mortality among adults with COVID‐19 admitted to intensive care by searching databases for studies published between 1 January 2020 and 6 December 2020. Observational studies of COVID‐19 adults admitted to critical care were included. Studies of mixed cohorts and intensive care cohorts restricted to a specific patient sub‐group were excluded. Dichotomous variables were reported with pooled OR and 95%CI, and continuous variables with pooled standardised mean difference (SMD) and 95%CI. Fifty‐eight studies (44,305 patients) were included in the review. Increasing age (SMD 0.65, 95%CI 0.53–0.77); smoking (OR 1.40, 95%CI 1.03–1.90); hypertension (OR 1.54, 95%CI 1.29–1.85); diabetes (OR 1.41, 95%CI 1.22–1.63); cardiovascular disease (OR 1.91, 95%CI 1.52–2.38); respiratory disease (OR 1.75, 95%CI 1.33–2.31); renal disease (OR 2.39, 95%CI 1.68–3.40); and malignancy (OR 1.81, 95%CI 1.30–2.52) were associated with mortality. A higher sequential organ failure assessment score (SMD 0.86, 95%CI 0.63–1.10) and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation‐2 score (SMD 0.89, 95%CI 0.65–1.13); a lower PaO2:FIO2 (SMD −0.44, 95%CI −0.62 to −0.26) and the need for mechanical ventilation at admission (OR 2.53, 95%CI 1.90–3.37) were associated with mortality. Higher white cell counts (SMD 0.37, 95%CI 0.22–0.51); neutrophils (SMD 0.42, 95%CI 0.19–0.64); D‐dimers (SMD 0.56, 95%CI 0.43–0.69); ferritin (SMD 0.32, 95%CI 0.19–0.45); lower platelet (SMD −0.22, 95%CI −0.35 to −0.10); and lymphocyte counts (SMD −0.37, 95%CI −0.54 to −0.19) were all associated with mortality. In conclusion, increasing age, pre‐existing comorbidities, severity of illness based on validated scoring systems, and the host response to the disease were associated with mortality; while male sex and increasing BMI were not. These factors have prognostic relevance for patients admitted to intensive care with COVID‐19.

β decay of proton-rich nuclei plays an important role in exploring isospin mixing. The β decay of ^{26}P at the proton drip line is studied using double-sided silicon strip detectors operating in conjunction with high-purity germanium detectors. The T=2 isobaric analog state (IAS) at 13 055 keV and two new high-lying states at 13 380 and 11 912 keV in ^{26}Si are unambiguously identified through β-delayed two-proton emission (β2p). Angular correlations of two protons emitted from ^{26}Si excited states populated by ^{26}P β decay are measured, which suggests that the two protons are emitted mainly sequentially. We report the first observation of a strongly isospin-mixed doublet that deexcites mainly via two-proton decay. The isospin mixing matrix element between the ^{26}Si IAS and the nearby 13 380-keV state is determined to be 130(21) keV, and this result represents the strongest mixing, highest excitation energy, and largest level spacing of a doublet ever observed in β-decay experiments.

The localizations of sodium exclusion are roots and stem base, however, Na+ distribution in these localizations is unclear. Here, we used a salt-tolerant buckwheat cultivar Chuanqiao No.1 and a salt-sensitive cultivar TQ-0808 to demonstrate Na+ distribution. We found that Na+ content was highest in vacuole, the following was in cell wall or free space, and the least was in cytoplasm. Comparative analysis shows that Na+ accumulation in vacuole, cell wall, or free space of roots and stem base in 'Chuanqiao No.1' was obviously higher than in 'TQ-0808'; in contrast, Na+ accumulation in cytoplasm of 'Chuanqiao No.1' was less than in 'TQ-0808'. These results indicate that the capabilities of Na+ extrusion and Na+ compartmentalization of salt-tolerant buckwheat were obviously higher than of the salt-sensitive one, and the capabilities could effectively restrict Na+ transport to shoot. Compartmentalization of Na+ in the vacuole was the main way for Na+ exclusion of salt-tolerant buckwheat. In addition, the transcriptions of Na+/H+ antiporter 1 and salt overly sensitive 1 were remarkably higher in 'Chuanqiao No.1' than in 'TQ-0808', which is consistent with the above results.

The beta-delayed two-proton (beta 2p) decay of S-27 was studied using a state-of-the-art silicon array and Clover-type HPGe detectors. An energy peak at 6372(15) keV with a branching ratio of 2.4(5)% in the decay-energy spectrum was identified as a two-proton transition via the isobaric-analog state in P-27 to the ground state of Al-25 in the beta decay of S-27. Two-proton angular correlations were measured by the silicon array to study the mechanism of two-proton emission. Based on experimental results and Monte Carlo simulations, it was found that the main mechanism for the emission of beta 2p by S-27 is of sequential nature.

Objective We investigated the clinico-pathological associations of serum VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 levels in patients with biopsy-proven Class III/IV±V lupus nephritis (LN). Methods Serum VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 levels were determined by ELISAs. Sera from patients with non-renal SLE or non-lupus chronic kidney disease (CKD), and healthy subjects served as controls. Results Seropositivity rate for VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 was 93.10% and 37.93% respectively at the time of nephritic flare, and 44.83% and 13.79% respectively at remission, with both showing higher levels during flare ( P Conclusion Our findings suggest potential utility of serum VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 in clinical management. Monitoring VCAM-1 may facilitate early diagnosis of flare. Combining selected biomarkers may be advantageous in diagnosing active LN. VCAM-1 may have a pathogenic role in renal parenchymal inflammation in active LN.

Objectives We investigated circulating syndecan-1, HA and thrombomodulin levels in patients with biopsy-proven Class III/IV ± V LN and their clinico-pathological associations. Patients with non-renal SLE or non-lupus chronic kidney disease, and healthy subjects served as controls. Methods Serum syndecan-1, HA and thrombomodulin levels were determined by ELISAs. Results Syndecan-1, HA and thrombomodulin levels were significantly higher during active LN compared with remission (P Conclusion Our findings suggest potential utility of serum syndecan-1, thrombomodulin and HA levels in clinical management, and their potential contribution to LN pathogenesis.

$\beta$ decay of $^{26}$P was used to populate the astrophysically important $E_x=$5929.4(8) keV $J^{\pi}=3{^+}$ state of $^{26}$Si. Both $\beta$-delayed proton at 418(8) keV and gamma ray at 1742(2) keV emitted from this state were measured simultaneously for the first time with corresponding absolute intensities of 11.1(12)\% and 0.59(44)\%, respectively. Besides, shell model calculations with weakly bound effects were performed to investigate the decay properties of other resonant states and a spin-parity of $4^+$ rather than $0^+$ was favored for the $E_x=$5945.9(40) keV state. Combining the experimental results and theoretical calculations, $^{25}$Al($p,\gamma$)$^{26}$Si reaction rate in explosive hydrogen burning environments was calculated and compared with previous studies.

The 2019 European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Clinical Practice Guidelines (hereinafter referred to as the EASL Guidelines) extracted the required evidence from detailed research materials, and rigorously graded and condensed the varying strengths of evidence into 32 recommendations and 14 statements (recommendations and reminders) for drug-induced Liver Injury (DILI). This guideline has important reference values for helping clinicians to further improve their understanding of DILI and the level of clinical diagnosis, treatment and prevention; however, there are still several issues worthy of further discussion.2019年欧洲肝病学会药物性肝损伤临床实践指南从详实的研究资料中提取所需证据，并对证据的强弱严谨地进行分级，凝聚成推荐强度不一的32条推荐意见和14条声明（建议和提醒）。该指南对帮助临床医师进一步提高药物性肝损伤的认识和临床诊治及预防水平具有重要参考价值，但仍有多个问题值得进一步讨论。.

Background: Beta-decay spectroscopy provides valuable nuclear physics input for thermonuclear reaction rates of astrophysical interest and stringent test for shell-model theories far from the stability line. Purpose: The available decay properties of proton drip-line nucleus $^{27}$S is insufficient to constrain the properties of the key resonance in $^{26}$Si$(p,\gamma)^{27}$P reaction rate and probe the possible isospin asymmetry. The decay scheme of $^{27}$S is complicated and far from being understood, which has motivated but also presented challenges for our experiment. Method: The $^{27}$S ions were implanted into a double-sided silicon strip detector array surrounded by the high-purity germanium detectors, where the $\beta$-delayed protons and $\gamma$ rays were measured simultaneously. Results: The improved spectroscopic properties including the precise half-life of $^{27}$S, the excitation energies, $\beta$-decay branching ratios, log~$ft$ values, and $B$(GT) values for the states of $^{27}$P populated in the $\beta$ decay of $^{27}$S were measured and compared to the $^{27}$Mg mirror states and the shell-model calculations. The present work has expanded greatly on the previously established decay scheme of $^{27}$S. Conclusions: The precise proton-separation energy of $^{27}$P, the energy and the ratio between $\gamma$ and proton partial widths of the $3/2^+$ resonance were obtained, thereby determining the $^{26}$Si$(p,\gamma)^{27}$P reaction rate based mainly on experimental constraints. The first evidence for the observation of a large isospin asymmetry for the mirror decays of $^{27}$S and $^{27}$Na is also provided. The experimental spectroscopic information can be reproduced by the shell-model calculation taking the weakly bound effect of the proton $1s_{1/2}$ orbit into account.

(K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 (KNN)/[P(VDF-TrFE)70:30] composite thick films with different KNN weight ratios have been fabricated and the effect of KNN mass content on the material structure and properties have been studied in this paper. Properties of the infrared sensor based KNN/[P(VDF-TrFE)70:30] composite thick film were also systematically studied. It was found that the sample containing 30 wt.% KNN show optimal properties for pyroelectric appliance and the highest pyroelectric coefficient was 63 μCm−2 K−1. Infrared sensors using 30 wt.% KNN-70 wt.%[P(VDF-TrFE)70:30] show highest detectivity (D∗ = 3.21 × 108 cm Hz1/2 W−1) at 137.3 Hz, indicating it is an promising candidate in lead-free quick response infrared detectors.

The effect of Pb(ZrTi)0.98Mn0.02O3 (PZTM) weight ratio on the properties of PZTM/P(VDF-TrFE) pyroelectric composites and devices was reported in this paper. Infrared devices were fabricated using PZTM/P(VDF-TrFE) composite films with different weight ratio. The pyroelectric coefficient, the dielectric properties and the infrared absorptivity of the composite materials have been measured. It was found that the pyroelectric constant of the composite decreased as PZTM weight increased. In contrast, the dielectric permittivity increased as PZTM weight increased. Especially, the composite with 0.41 PZTM weight ratio showed the smallest dielectric loss and largest infrared absorptivity. The properties of the detectors fabricated using the composite materials with different PZTM weight ratio have been further tested. It was found that the infrared irradiation absorptivity showed great impact on the performance of the devices other than the pyroelectric coefficient and dielectric permittivity.

An abundance of surgical studies during the past 2 centuries provide empirical evidence of periosteum's regenerative power for reconstructing tissues as diverse as trachea and bone. This study aimed to develop quantitative, efficacy-based measures, thereby providing translational guidelines for the use of periosteum to harness the body's own healing potential and generate target tissues. The current study quantitatively and qualitatively demonstrated tissue generation modulated by a periosteum substitute membrane that replicates the structural constituents of native periosteum (elastin, collagen, progenitor cells) and its barrier, extracellular, and cellular properties. It shows the potentiation of the periosteum's regenerative capacity through the progenitor cells that inhabit the tissue, biological factors intrinsic to the extracellular matrix of periosteum, and mechanobiological factors related to implant design and implementation. In contrast to the direct intramembranous bone generated in defects surrounded by patent periosteum in situ, tissue generation in bone defects bounded by the periosteum substitute implant occurred primarily via endochondral mechanisms whereby cartilage was first generated and then converted to bone. In addition, in defects treated with the periosteum substitute, tissue generation was highest along the major centroidal axis, which is most resistant to prevailing bending loads. Taken together, these data indicate the possibility of designing modular periosteum substitute implants that can be tuned for vectorial and spatiotemporal delivery of biological agents and facilitation of target tissue genesis for diverse surgical scenarios and regenerative medicine approaches. It also underscores the potential to develop physical therapy protocols to maximize tissue genesis via the implant's mechanoactive properties. Significance In the past 2 centuries, the periosteum, a niche for stem cells and super-smart biological material, has been used empirically in surgery to repair tissues as diverse as trachea and bone. In the past 25 years, the number of articles indexed in PubMed for the keywords “periosteum and tissue engineering” and “periosteum and regenerative medicine” has burgeoned. Yet the biggest limitation to the prescriptive use of periosteum is lack of easy access, giving impetus to the development of periosteum substitutes. Recent studies have opened up the possibility to bank periosteal tissues (e.g., from the femoral neck during routine resection for implantation of hip replacements). This study used an interdisciplinary, quantitative approach to assess tissue genesis in modular periosteum substitute implants, with the aim to provide translational strategies for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

The effect of potassium-sodium niobate (KNN) powder sintering temperature on the structure and properties of the KNN/{poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-trifluoroethylene 70:30) [P(VDF-TrFE) 70:30]} composite thick films have been studied in this paper. KNN powders were sintered by solid-state reaction at different temperatures ranging from 750 to 900 °C. Then the KNN powders were used to fabricate composite thick films by casting the KNN/P(VDF-TrFE) suspension on to ITO substrates. The pyroelectric and dielectric properties of the composite thick films have been investigated systematically. It was found that sample made up of KNN ceramic powders sintered at 850 °C show optimal properties for pyroelectric appliance. The highest pyroelectric coefficient was 63 μCm−2/K and the highest detectivity figure-of-merit was 4.94 μPa1/2.

The properties of BiFeO3/intermediate layer/substrate structures fabricated by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering at low temperatures (450°C) and by deposition on substrates and intermediate layers between the substrate and the BiFeO3 film have been investigated. In the structures, glass substrates or commercial Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si(001) substrates have been used, and intermediate layers have been prepared from L10 FePt or Pt films. Intermediate layers of Pt and L10 FePt have the (111) and (001) textures, respectively, induced by rapid thermal annealing. It has been revealed that the deposition on the commercial substrates leads to the formation of BiFeO3 isotropic films that have a large surface roughness and consist of grains ∼200 nm in size with the BiFeO3 perovskite structure. In the case of the deposition of a BiFeO3 film on a Pt(111) intermediate layer, the BiFeO3 phase is suppressed. The deposition on an intermediate layer of the L10 FePt film with the (001) texture results in the formation of a single-phase BiFeO3 film with the (001) texture and the perovskite structure, which (as compared to the BiFeO3 films grown on the commercial substrate) has a less pronounced roughness, smaller grain sizes, and significantly better ferroelectric properties.

Neutralizing monoclonal sclerostin antibodies are effective in promoting bone formation at a systemic level and in orthopedic scenarios including closed fracture repair. In this study we examined the effects of sclerostin antibody (Scl-Ab) treatment on regenerate volume, density and strength in a rat model of distraction osteogenesis. Surgical osteotomy was performed on 179 Sprague Dawley rats. After 1 week, rats underwent distraction for 2 weeks, followed by 6 weeks for consolidation. Two treatment groups received biweekly subcutaneous Scl-AbIII (a rodent form of Scl-Ab; 25 mg/kg), either from the start of distraction onwards or restricted to the consolidation phase. These groups were compared to controls receiving saline. Measurement modalities included longitudinal DXA, ex vivo QCT and microCT, tissue histology, and biomechanical 4-point bending tests. Bone volume was increased in both Scl-Ab treatments regimens by the end of consolidation (+26-38%, p

Background: Treatment of infected open fractures remains a major clinical challenge. In this study, we investigated the novel broad-spectrum antibiotic CSA-90 (cationic steroid antibiotic-90) as an antimicrobial agent. Methods: CSA-90 was screened in an osteoblast cell culture model for effects on differentiation and mineralization. Local delivery of CSA-90 was then tested alone and in combination with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) in a mouse ectopic bone formation model (n = 40 mice) and in a rat open fracture model inoculated with pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus (n = 84 rats). Results: CSA-90 enhanced matrix mineralization in cultured osteoblasts and increased rhBMP-2-induced bone formation in vivo. All animals in which an open fracture had been inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus and not treated with local CSA-90, including those treated with rhBMP-2, had to be culled prior to the experimental end point (six weeks) because of localized osteolysis and deterioration of overall health, whereas CSA-90 prevented establishment of infection in all open fractures in which it was used (p ≤ 0.012). Increased union rates were seen for the fractures treated with rhBMP-2 or with the combination of rhBMP-2 and CSA-90 compared with that observed for the fractures treated with CSA-90 alone (p = 0.04). Conclusions: CSA-90 can promote osteogenesis and be used for prevention of Staphylococcus aureus infection in preclinical models. Clinical Relevance: Local delivery of CSA-90 represents a novel strategy for prevention of infection and may have specific benefits in the context of orthopaedic injuries.

Chronic hepatitis B is a serious public health issue in China. The clinical management of hepatitis B is effective with the emergence of antiviral agents. The outcome of long-term therapy and nucleos(t)ide analogues stopping rules are currently unresolved issues and unmet needs. Thus, we need to pay more attention to clinical research to build large-sample and long-term follow-up cohorts and begin with the end in mind. We believe that the way to resolve the issues above will be found with the efforts of generations.乙型肝炎病毒感染在我国是一个重要的公共卫生问题。由于抗病毒药物的出现，乙型肝炎的临床管理已经卓有成效。乙型肝炎长期治疗结局和抗病毒药物的停药指标等相关问题是当前临床实践中面临的亟待解决的问题。为此，必须扎扎实实进一步回归临床研究，以终为始，建立大型长期临床研究队列。相信，通过几代人坚持不懈的努力，这些难题终将找到答案。.

Soil rill erodibility (Kr) is an important parameter for process-based soil erosion models since it reflects the soil9s ability to resist concentrated flow detachment. Detailed information on the temporal variability of Kr remains scarce but critical to accurately predict rill erosion. This study was conducted to investigate the temporal variations in Kr of a silt loam loess soil using the undisturbed topsoil samples collected from four typical croplands (corn [Zea mays L.], millet [Setaria italic], soybean [Glycine max], and potato [Solanum tuberosum L.]) and to further quantify the potential factors causing those changes in the Loess Plateau of China during one growing season from early April to late September of 2012. The results showed that the measured mean rill erodibility varied greatly with types of cropland. The potato land had the maximum mean Kr, and followed by corn, soybean, and millet. The Kr of the four croplands fluctuated considerably over time and tended to decline with root growth. Temporal variations in Kr were closely related to tillage operations, soil consolidation, water-stable aggregates, and root growth. The rill erodibility could be well predicted with root density, soil cohesion, and initial soil moisture content (NSE ≥ 0.82). Further studies are needed to detect the effects of root diameter of different plant types on rill erodibility.

The photovoltaic (PV) property of multiferroic BiFeO3 (BFO) nanocrystalline films with different textures on glass substrates has been studied. Highly textured BFO(001) films were obtained on ferromagnetic L10-FePt(001) bottom electrodes by sputtering, while the isotropic polycrystalline BFO films were prepared on 20-nm-thick Pt(111) bottom electrodes by pulse laser deposition. All studied BFO films exhibited significant PV effect under laser illumination with wavelength of 405 nm, and the short-circuit photocurrent density was increased with the increase of laser intensity. Large photocurrent density ( Jsc) of 5.9 μA/cm2 at laser power of 220 mW/cm2 was obtained in the BFO(001) film grown on 20-nm-thick FePt electrode, and the value was larger than that of the isotropic single phase BFO film by a factor more than 1.7. This difference could be explained by the depolarization effect along different lattice orientations. Furthermore, it was found that the larger compressive residual strain in the BFO(001) film leads to a 34% decrement in Jsc, which was believed to result from the widened band gap. PV property was also sensitive to phase and roughness, the formation of Bi2O3, and a roughened surface suppresses PV effect.

Photovoltaic (PV) property of sputter-deposited BiFeO 3 (BFO) polycrystalline films on Pt/Ti/SiO 2 /Si(1 0 0) substrates has been studied. Isotropic single phase perovskite BFO is obtained in the growth temperature ( T g ) range of 350–450 °C. The increase of T g and film thickness promote grain growth resulting in roughened surface. Significant PV effect under laser illumination with wavelength of 405 nm is obtained. Short-circuit photocurrent density ( J sc ) increases with the increase of laser intensity (I). The J sc at I = 220 mW/cm 2 ( J max ) are increased with the increase of the growth temperature and BFO thickness. The correlation between J max and the size of coherent scattering domain indicates that PV property is highly related to the structural defects. Furthermore, PV effect is reduced at higher T g = 500 °C or for larger t = 400 nm due to the appearance of the impurity phase and rougher surface.

Background In experimental early painful diabetic neuropathy, persistent hyperglycaemia induces dys-regulated sodium channel (Navs) expression in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and activates microglia in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH). However, information on diabetes-induced chronic neuropathic pain is limited. Therefore, we investigated abnormal Navs in the DRG and activated glial cells in the SDH of diabetic rats with chronic neuropathic pain. Methods Sixty-six rats were divided into diabetic and control groups: control rats (n = 18; 1 mL of normal saline via the right femoral vein) and diabetic rats [n = 48; 60 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) via the right femoral vein]. Hindpaw behavioural tests, Navs expression in the DRG, activation of glial cells in the SDH and the number of neurons in the SDH were measured at 1 and 2 weeks, and 1, 2, 3 and 6 months following saline and STZ administration. Results All diabetic rats exhibited hyperglycaemia from day 7 to 6 months. The diabetic rats decreased withdrawal threshold to mechanical stimuli but had blunted responses to thermal stimuli. Consistent up-regulation of Nav1.3 and down-regulation of Nav1.8 was observed. Microglial cells were activated early in the SDH and lasted for 6 months. A positive correlation between mechanical allodynia, Nav1.3 and microglial activation was observed. In addition, microglia activation in the SDH of STZ-induced diabetes was mediated, in part, by phosphorylation of p-38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. Conclusions Diabetic rats showed hindpaw mechanical allodynia for 6 months. Persistent mechanical allodynia was positively associated with sustained increased activation of Nav1.3 and increased p38 phosphorylation in activated microglia.

Neutralizing monoclonal sclerostin antibodies are effective in promoting bone formation at a systemic level and in orthopedic scenarios including closed fracture repair. In this study we examined the effects of sclerostin antibody (Scl-Ab) treatment on regenerate volume, density, and strength in a rat model of distraction osteogenesis. Surgical osteotomy was performed on 179 Sprague Dawley rats. After 1 week, rats underwent distraction for 2 weeks, followed by 6 weeks for consolidation. Two treatment groups received biweekly subcutaneous Scl-AbIII (a rodent form of Scl-Ab; 25 mg/kg), either from the start of distraction onward or restricted to the consolidation phase. These groups were compared to controls receiving saline. Measurement modalities included longitudinal DXA, ex vivo QCT, and microCT, tissue histology, and biomechanical four-point bending tests. Bone volume was increased in both Scl-Ab treatments regimens by the end of consolidation (+26-38%, p 0.05), as assessed by microCT. This was associated with increased mineral apposition. Importantly, Scl-Ab led to increased strength in united bones, and this reached statistical significance in animals receiving Scl-Ab during consolidation only (+177%, p 0.01, maximum load to failure). These data demonstrate that Scl-Ab treatment increases bone formation, leading to regenerates with higher bone volume and improved strength. Our data also suggest that the optimal effects of Scl-Ab treatment are achieved in the latter stages of distraction osteogenesis. These findings support further investigation into the potential clinical application of sclerostin antibody to augment bone distraction, such as limb lengthening, particularly in the prevention of refracture. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1106-1113, 2018.

We describe two studies encompassing the iterative refinement of a polymer-based rhBMP-2 delivery system for bone tissue engineering. Firstly, we compared the bone-forming capacity of porous poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffolds produced by thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) with non-porous solvent cast poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PDLLA) used previously. Secondly, we examined the potential synergy between rhBMP-2 and local bisphosphonate in the PLGA scaffold system. In vivo ectopic bone formation studies were performed in C57BL6/J mice. Polymer scaffolds containing 0, 5, 10 or 20 µg rhBMP-2 were inserted into the dorsal musculature. At all rhBMP-2 doses, porous PLGA produced significantly higher bone volume (BV, mm3) than the solid PDLLA scaffolds. Next, porous PLGA scaffolds containing 10 µg rhBMP-2 ± 0.2, or 2 µg zoledronic acid (ZA) were inserted into the hind-limb musculature. Co-delivery of local 10 µg rhBMP-2/2 µg ZA significantly augmented bone formation compared with rhBMP-2 alone (400 % BV increase, p < 0.01). Hydroxyapatite microparticle (HAp) addition (2 % w/w) to the 10 µg rhBMP-2/0.2 µg ZA group increased BV (200 %, p < 0.01). We propose that this was due to controlled ZA release of HAp-bound ZA. Consistent with this, elution analyses showed that HAp addition did not alter the rhBMP-2 elution, but delayed ZA release. Moreover, 2 % w/w HAp addition reduced the scaffold's compressive properties, but did not alter ease of surgical handling. In summary, our data show that refinement of the polymer selection and scaffold fabrication can enhance rhBMP-2 induced bone formation in our bone tissue engineering implant, and this can be further optimised by the local co-delivery of ZA/HAp.

The purpose of this study is to understand how positive and negative factors influence people on performing electricity-saving behaviors in households based on the MOA theory and “Green Consumption Behavior Model”. Research data were collected through a professional market survey, in which the 1,067 sampling respondents represent the characteristics of Taiwanese population. This study found that, through structural equation modeling, coefficients of most of the paths in the model were significant, with only one exception. In addition to positive and negative factors, effectiveness of intervening variables (such as “electricity-saving knowledge and beliefs”) worth discussion because of their impacts on dependent variables (such as “sustaining electricity-saving behavior”). Consequently, the effectiveness of direct paths seemed preferable to that of indirect paths.

Periosteum is a smart mechanobiological material that serves as a habitat and delivery vehicle for stem cells as well as biological factors that modulate tissue genesis and healing. Periosteum's remarkable regenerative capacity has been harnessed clinically for over two hundred years. Scientific studies over the past decade have begun to decipher the mechanobiology of periosteum, which has a significant role in its regenerative capacity. This integrative review outlines recent mechanobiological insights that are key to modulating and translating periosteum and its resident stem cells in a regenerative medicine context.

For winding systems, aligning control is important to assure good winding quality. This research proposes a winding control system with a front aligning mechanism and a rear aligning roller to achieve good front and rear lateral alignment of winding strips. The front aligning mechanism uses one set of a servo motor and a ball screw to tilt a front aligning roller about the hinge located at the midpoint of the roller. The rear aligning roller is actuated by two sets of servo motors and ball screws at its both ends to tilt for rear aligning control. The mathematical models for the front and rear aligning control winding systems are derived and the corresponding controllers are then designed. Both of simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed aligning control winding system could achieve good front and rear aligning control.

Recent studies suggest a possible role for inhibitors of sclerostin such as sclerostin antibody (Scl-Ab) as an anabolic treatment for osteoporosis. Since Scl-Ab has also been shown to potentiate bone repair, we examined the effect of Scl-Ab treatment in a metaphyseal defect repair model in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Four weeks after OVX or sham surgery, 3 mm circular defects were created bilaterally in the proximal tibia of all rats. After defect surgery, Saline or 25 mg/kg Scl-Ab was administered twice weekly for 3 weeks. Of note, healing was advanced in the 1-week post-defect surgery in OVX controls over Sham controls, with increases in bone volume and fluorochrome labeling observed. However, by week 2, OVX controls fell significantly behind in the repair response compared with Sham controls. Scl-Ab treatment significantly increased bone volume in the defect in OVX rats over the 3-week time course as examined by either microCT or histology. Significant increases in bone formation via fluorochrome labeling of the new bone were observed with Scl-Ab treatment, while osteoclast parameters were not different. With its powerful anabolic potential, bone-specific activity, and potential for low dosing frequency, Scl-Ab treatment could provide enhanced bone repair, particularly in situations of compromised bone repair such as osteoporotic bone.

Background The use of dental implants in organ transplant patients remains controversial because of their altered wound healing and risk of serious infections. The aims of this study were to evaluate the long-term survival rate and related clincial parameters of dental implants among liver transplant patients on immunosuppressive medications. Methods We placed 45 implants in 13 liver transplant patients. All implants were sucessfully placed in the mandible or maxilla. The success rate, perimplant bone absorption (MBL), probing depth and Periotest values were measured at 3 months, as well as 1 and 3 years. Results At 3 years' follow-up, no implants were lost. MBL and Periotest values were within acceptable ranges without bleeding on probing or pathological probing depth. Conclusion This series supports the use of dental implants in liver transplant patients who are stable under long-term immunosuppression.

The objectives of this study were to determine whether the midazolam clearance predicted docetaxel pharmacokinetics, CA-125 change, and response and to assess the impact of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A5 and ATP-binding cassette, subfamily B, member 1 (ABCB1) genotypes on docetaxel pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in ovarian or primary peritoneal cancer patients.Thirty-four patients with advanced ovarian and primary peritoneal cancer were administered docetaxel at 75 mg/m(2) as a 1-h infusion in combination with carboplatin IV over 30 min at a target AUC of 5 mg/ml min. Cycles were repeated every 21 days for 6 cycles. Midazolam was administered at 2 mg as a 30-min IV infusion the day prior to cycle one of docetaxel administration. Pharmacokinetic studies of docetaxel and CYP3A5 and ABCB1 genotype studies were performed.There was an inverse relationship between midazolam clearance (CL) and CA-125 level after cycle 6 where a higher midazolam CL was associated with a CA-125 10 U/ml (P = 0.007) and CA-125 15 U/ml (P = 0.048). The CA-125 categories were associated with response achieved (complete response/partial response) (CR/PR), stable disease (SD), and progressive disease (PD) at the end of therapy (P = 0.0173). Docetaxel CL was not related to midazolam CL or genotype. Docetaxel exposure and genotypes were not related to toxicity or response (P 0.05).The midazolam CL predicted CA-125 levels and response that was independent of other factors including docetaxel pharmacokinetics. Future studies need to evaluate the mechanism for the relationship between midazolam CL and response in patients with ovarian cancer.

Background and context: Since 1982, cancer has been the leading cause of death in Taiwan, claiming more than 40,000 lives each year. This not only caused huge medical expenses, but also affected the quality of life of patients and their families. However, many cancer survivors and their caregivers do not fully understand lifestyle advice, including nutrition and dietary behaviors, to lower the progression of the disease. Due to cancer and painstaking treatment, cancer patients often suffer from inadequate calories intake and serious body weight (BW) loss, which is highly related to malnutrition or cancer cachexia. After they leave the hospital, they still need nutritional guidance; therefore, the importance of providing nutrition services in the community should be emphasized. Aim: To help cancer survivors achieve better nutritional status by teaching them how to have adequate calories intakes and maintain BW that they're supposed to have better quality of life. Strategy/Tactics: (1) Cancer survivors with nutritional needs were referred from 66 cooperative cancer resources centers of hospitals nationwide. (2) Dietitians assess their nutritional conditions and provide nutritional guidance. (3) Deliver free nutritional supplements to the cancer survivors who are financially disadvantaged or have dysphagia problems. Program/Policy process: The registered dietitians conducted nutritional education through nutrition counseling and guidance. For those who are financially disadvantaged or have dysphagia problems, the 24-hour dietary recall and PG-SGA scale were used to assess the survivors' nutritional status, including BW and calories intake, then free nutritional supplements according to their needs and a regular follow-up to collect their BW and nutritional information changes after our interventions were done. Outcomes: From 2016 to 2017, a total of 434 of cancer survivors who have financial difficulties or dysphagia problems accepted the free nutritional supplements and nutritional guidance services. 178 survivors completed follow-up and collected nutritional information. 40.4% of them are head and neck cancers, 38.2% are digestive system-related cancers that were in poor eating conditions. After our interventions, 70.2% of these survivors can maintain or increase their BW with average BW 57.9 ± 12.8 kg; and 77.0% can maintain or increase the calories intake, which average increased from 1798 ± 252.5 kcal/day to 1541.6 ± 347.9 kcal/day. What was learned: We can effectively help cancer survivors achieve adequate calories intakes and maintain BW to prevent the occurrence of malnutrition by providing the services of nutritional supplements and nutritional guidance.

Critical-sized bone defects, whether caused by congenital malformation, tumor resection, trauma, or implant loosening, remain a major challenge for orthopaedic management. In this study we describe a bone tissue engineering approach in mice for the co-delivery of recombinant human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 (rhBMP-2) and the IKK inhibitor PS-1145. Scaffold implants were manufactured from poly(lactide-co-glycolide)(PLGA) by Thermally-Induced Phase Separation (TIPS), with rhBMP-2 (10 μg) and the IKK inhibitor PS-1145 (0 μg, 40 μg or 80 μg) incorporated into the polymer. These scaffolds were then surgically implanted into the hind limb muscle of C57BL6/J mice. One group of mice also received systemic 50 mg/kg PS-1145 (days 11-20). Specimens were harvested at week 3 for X-ray and microCT analyses and descriptive histology. Local and systemic delivery PS-1145 both significantly increased the net rhBMP-2 induced bone at 3 weeks. A maximal response was seen with the 40 μg PS-1145 group, although there was no significant difference between the 40 μg and 80 μg PS-1145 regimens. No local cytotoxicity was seen with either dose of PS-1145. In summary, local co-delivery of rhBMP-2 and PS-1145 via a porous PLGA scaffold represents a new tissue engineering approach for maintaining new bone in an unloaded environment.

Through a large-scaled quantitative research based on the theory of planned behavior, we intended to find out why people in Taiwan usually do or don't do electricity-saving behaviors at home. Four user types were discovered based on their goal, attitude, and behavior of electricity usage. By understanding the needs of different user types, we can take advantage of knowing users' needs to try to change their attitudes or to increase their energy-saving intentions.

Cathepsin K inhibitors (CKIs) are an emerging class of drugs that are potent antagonists of osteoclastic activity. We speculated that they may be beneficial in bone tissue engineering, where a stress shielded environment can lead to rapid resorption of new bone. Most CKIs require frequent dosing, so to achieve a sustained release we manufactured polymer nanoparticles encapsulating the CKI L006235 (CKI/nP). CKI/nP and the collagen matrices that were used to deliver them were characterized by electron microscopy and fluorescent confocal microscopy, and data indicated that the particles were evenly distributed throughout the collagen. Elution studies indicated a linear release of the inhibitor from the CKI/nP, with approximately 2% of the drug being released per day. In an in vivo study, mice were implanted with collagen scaffolds containing rhBMP-2 that were loaded with the CKI/nP. Measurement of bone volume (BV) by microCT showed no significant increase with CKI/nP incorporation, and other parameters similarly showed no statistical differences. Cell culture studies confirmed the activity of the drug, even at low concentrations. These data indicate that polymer nanoparticles are an effective method for sustained drug delivery of a CKI, however, this may not be readily translatable to substantively improved bone tissue engineering outcomes. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 136-144, 2017.

The second screen or the multi screen service is a hot issue in media and telecom industry, but using it is a new use behavior to the audience so that those incumbent TV companies still don't know how to hold this tech/service. The second screen or multi screen is also called over the top (OTT) service threatening the present TV ecosystem. Following last-year academia-industry cooperation to deepen research methodology- the BEST model, the research has been trying to dig how users adopt the multi-screen service through persona, TAM3 and Use-Diffusion this year. It's the first time that qualitative and quantitative methods are putted into the BEST model, and we expect these findings will help teleos and other companies related the multi-screen service know what the keys of adoption are and how to grow up the market.

This work develops an optically controllable allfiber, radio-frequency phase-shifter based on a side-polished fiber (SPF) overlaid with a photo responsive liquid crystals (LCs). The phase shift of the LC-overlaid SPF (LCSPF) is tuned by modulating the refractive index (RI) of LC, which is determined by the phase transition of the overlaying photo responsive LC that is formed by the trans-cis photoisomerization of doped azobenzene molecules under light illumination. All-optically controllable devices have various advantages over all-electrically controllable devices, including compactness and simplicity of design.

Sclerostin deficiency, via genetic knockout or anti-Sclerostin antibody treatment, has been shown to cause increased bone volume, density and strength of calluses following endochondral bone healing. However, there is limited data on the effect of Sclerostin deficiency on the formative early stage of fibrocartilage (non-bony tissue) formation and removal. In this study we extensively investigate the early fibrocartilage callus. Closed tibial fractures were performed on Sost(-/-) mice and age-matched wild type (C57Bl/6J) controls and assessed at multiple early time points (7, 10 and 14days), as well as at 28days post-fracture after bony union. External fixation was utilized, avoiding internal pinning and minimizing differences in stability stiffness, a variable that has confounded previous research in this area. Normal endochondral ossification progressed in wild type and Sost(-/-) mice with equivalent volumes of fibrocartilage formed at early day 7 and day 10 time points, and bony union in both genotypes by day 28. There were no significant differences in rate of bony union; however there were significant increases in fibrocartilage removal from the Sost(-/-) fracture calluses at day 14 suggesting earlier progression of endochondral healing. Earlier bone formation was seen in Sost(-/-) calluses over wild type with greater bone volume at day 10 (221%, p

Methylamine (CH3NH2) was employed with SiH4 to deposit amorphous silicon carbon nitride films due to its easy dissociation as well as containing both carbon and nitrogen elements. The effect of dilution gas, such as H2 ,N 2, Ar and He on the film growth was studied in electron cyclotron resonance plasma chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactor. At a microwave power of 250 W and a substrate temperature of 700 ◦ C, ternary silicon carbon nitride film has been successfully deposited using He as dilution gas. However, only binary silicon nitride films were formed using dilution gases of Ar, N 2 and H2 but otherwise similar conditions. Characterization of the films using FTIR, XPS and optical emission study of the plasma were employed to study the growth process. Possible explanations and discussion for the growth behaviors of the dilution gases are presented. © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

The effect of carbon source on SiCN film growth was studied in an electron cyclotron resonance plasma chemical vapor deposition reactor. The growth characteristics of CH4, C2H2 and CH3NH2 were examined with and without H2 addition during growth. The results indicated that SiCN films were deposited successfully using CH4 with H2 addition as well as using CH3NH2 both with and without H2 addition. (Si; C) and N composition ratios of the films thus deposited were around 0.75. Carbon was hardly incorporated into the films when deposited using C2H2 as the source gas regardless of H2 addition during growth. Among the three source gas studied, CH3NH2 was the most effective for the SiCN films growth. Spectroscopic study of the gas phase species during growth and discussion on the growth phenomena are presented in this paper.

The fractal dimensions of zeolite A, zeolite X, Dowex MSC-1, Mordenite, zeolite Y, ZSM-5 and MSC-5A carbon sieve have been obtained by physical adsorption of different-sized adsorbates. The porosity of the solids is obtained from literature. Two simple equations with two integral variables can be employed to characterize a porous solid with finite fractal dimension and porosity. These two equations also illustrate the correlation between fractal dimension and porosity of the porous solid and are also helpful to construct the fractal structure of the porous solids. Two integral variables are the number of divisions (cuts) in each dimension, and the number of the d -dimensional objects ( d can be 1, 2 or 3) that must be taken for iteration. Seven examples of porous solids are employed to characterize and illustrate the applicability of the two equations.

The connection between the chemical corrosion resistance and the microstructure of the Ta2O5 thin films prepared at room temperature by a RF magnetron sputtering technique on Si substrates has been investigated. We find that the microstructure of the films changes with different RF sputtering power, and is responsible for the degradation of the corrosion resistance in HF solutions. The deposited films are amorphous and porous when the RF power is low. A preferred orientation toward (200) β-Ta2O5 can be observed when the RF power is increased to 150 W. In addition, the films deposited under this condition are dense and are consequently more resistant to the attack of chemicals. AT an RF power of 300 W the corrosion resistance of the films declines due to an increase of the exposed pore surface to the HF solution.

A micro-differential capillary pressure system has been established to measure the density and viscosity of macromolecular solutions as well as regular chemical solutions. Easy handling, short operational time, accuracy, low cost, high sensitivity and adaptability for on-line control of the instrument are demonstrated by the measurement on poly(ethylene glycol)/water, poly(acrylic acid)/water, sugar/water, glycerol/water, and poly(methyl methacrylate)/tetrahydrofuran systems.